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    The Philosophy of Economic Markets, Money and Property
    In-person Program

    The Philosophy of Economic Markets, Money and Property

    by USC Pre-College

    Explore philosophy and economics through society-building simulations, debates and argumentative writing, examining how markets, property and collective decisions shape everyday life.

    Last verified: 5 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    High school; completed ninth grade

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15-18

    Location / Region

    Los Angeles, California, United States

    Cost

    $8,130; $11,570; $12,208

    Duration

    4 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next session

    21 June-15 July 2027

    Save program
    PhilosophyBusiness & EconomicsEthicsPolitics
    Accommodation: Shared university residence-hall rooms
    Meals: Residential: three dining-hall meals daily
    College credit: 3 units of elective credit
    Tutors / faculty: USC faculty and experienced professionals
    Sessions / cadence: 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; 5-6 instructional hours daily
    Campus resources: Libraries, computer labs, health center

    The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property summary

    USC combines philosophy and economics with SIMSOC, a society-building role-playing game that makes questions about cooperation, property and power concrete.

    You study decision theory, game theory and political philosophy, then test those ideas through debates, social experiments, presentations and argumentative writing.

    It suits students who enjoy challenging assumptions and defending an argument, particularly when they want to connect abstract ideas with practical choices.

    What is The Philosophy of Economic Markets, Money and Property?

    The Philosophy of Economic Markets, Money and Property is a USC Pre-College course connecting philosophy, economics and political science. Students investigate how people make decisions, how institutions organize cooperation and whether markets distribute resources fairly.

    The course begins with SIMSOC, a tabletop simulation in which classmates create their own society. After studying the theories behind their choices, students return to the simulation and try again with a stronger understanding of property, voting, collective action and justice.

    Why Succeed highlights The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property

    • Replaying SIMSOC after studying the theory gives students a concrete way to examine how their reasoning changes.

    • Decision theory and game theory connect ethical discussion with mathematical problem-solving.

    • Debates, presentations and argumentative essays develop several ways of explaining and defending an idea.

    • Successful completion earns university elective credit rather than only an attendance record.

    Who is The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property for?

    Best for

    Students curious about philosophy, economics or politics who enjoy discussion and want to test arguments through games and social experiments.

    Not ideal if

    You want a light enrichment experience or practical investing instruction; the focus is sustained academic work on decisions, institutions and justice.

    Is The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property worth it?

    This course offers a distinctive way to test an interest in philosophy and economics before choosing a college major. Its strongest feature is the movement between lived choices in a simulation and formal arguments about those choices.

    The substantial financial commitment makes subject fit especially important, and USC does not offer financial aid for its summer programs. College credit can add value, but transfer acceptance varies and the experience does not guarantee an admissions advantage.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $8,130; $11,570; $12,208; includes Academic instruction., Textbooks, course materials and academic field trips., On-campus social activities and recreational trips., Student Health Center access., Residential: shared residence-hall room., Residential: three daily dining-hall meals., Residential: academic field-trip meals and specified Saturday meals., Three units of elective credit upon successful completion..

    Accommodation

    Shared university residence-hall rooms

    Meals

    Residential: three dining-hall meals daily

    Supervision or safety information

    Residential advisors live in the halls and are available at all times. USC provides 24/7 public-safety patrols, USCard-controlled hall access and emergency notifications.

    Provider details

    Review the USC Pre-College provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    4 weeks; Los Angeles, California, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

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    How much preparation does The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property need?

    Effort level

    High, with 5-6 instructional hours per day.

    Best started

    Begin planning in October, ahead of November's application-information release; allow 6-8 weeks for the essay, recommendation and transcript.

    Main challenge

    Explaining a defensible position while engaging seriously with opposing arguments.

    Typical preparation

    • Practice explaining one ethical question about markets through a claim, reasons and an objection.

    • Refresh basic probability and try simple cooperation or decision-making problems.

    • Plan who can recommend you and how your school will upload your transcript.

    • If traveling internationally, allow additional time for immigration documents and finalize travel after any required visa is issued.

    Useful if

    You want to explore how philosophy informs economics and political institutions.

    What do students do on The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property?

    You build a society with classmates, study the theories needed to understand its successes and failures, and apply those ideas in games, debates and written arguments. The final return to SIMSOC lets you reconsider your original choices.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Begin with SIMSOC and create a social, political and economic system.

    2. 2

      Study decision theory through lotteries, probability and decision problems.

    3. 3

      Explore game theory through cooperation, bargaining and competitive games.

    4. 4

      Examine justice, property rights and democracy through debates and a veil-of-ignorance experiment.

    5. 5

      Investigate collective action, wellbeing and the limits of markets.

    6. 6

      Return to SIMSOC in the final week and apply your learning.

    The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property dates and deadlines

    Summer 2026 domestic participants application deadline

    8 May 2026

    Past

    Summer 2026 international participants application deadline

    13 March 2026

    Past

    Summer 2026 domestic participants

    22 June-17 July 2026

    Application deadline; session ran 22 June-17 July 2026.

    Past

    Summer 2026 international participants

    22 June-17 July 2026

    Application deadline; session ran 22 June-17 July 2026.

    Past

    Summer 2027

    21 June-15 July 2027

    USC Summer Programs calendar; application information coming in November.

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • High school students who have completed at least ninth grade.

    • Applicants should pursue a rigorous high school curriculum.

    • Domestic and international students may apply.

    • All class meetings require attendance; late arrival is not accommodated.

    • International applicants need accepted English-proficiency evidence or a waiver.

    • Local commuters live with a parent or guardian in eligible counties.

    • International participants and domestic participants living abroad must reside on campus.

    How much does The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property cost?

    Program fee

    $8,130; $11,570; $12,208 — 2026 commuter, domestic residential and international residential totals.

    Funding or discounts

    • Application fee: $85 — Nonrefundable and separate from the program total.
    • Seat deposit: $1,000 — Nonrefundable; credited toward the total program cost.
    • Financial aid: Not offered
    • Visa application: $185 — U.S. government charge for participants requiring a visa.
    • SEVIS I-901: $350 — Additional U.S. government charge for applicable international participants.

    What's included

    Academic instruction., Textbooks, course materials and academic field trips., On-campus social activities and recreational trips., Student Health Center access., Residential: shared residence-hall room., Residential: three daily dining-hall meals., Residential: academic field-trip meals and specified Saturday meals., Three units of elective credit upon successful completion.

    How to apply to The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property

    1. 1

      Create an account in USC's summer-program portal using your legal name and a regularly checked email.

    2. 2

      Select this course among your choices; you may repeat it for all three preferences.

    3. 3

      Write the 300-500 word application essay independently.

    4. 4

      Request a recommendation from a teacher, counselor or mentor.

    5. 5

      Arrange for a school administrator to upload your PDF transcript.

    6. 6

      If applying internationally, provide accepted English-proficiency evidence or a waiver.

    7. 7

      Pay the $85 application fee, complete every task, review your application and click Submit.

    8. 8

      After acceptance, pay the credited $1,000 seat deposit and complete the assigned forms.

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    What does The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Week 1: Decision Theory

    Study decision matrices, probability, expected utility and lotteries through cooperative and competitive games.

    Week 2: Game Theory

    Explore equilibria, cooperation and bargaining through game-theory exercises and a Getty Center field trip.

    Week 3: Foundations and Applications I

    Examine justice, contractualism, freedom, property rights and democracy through social experiments and debate.

    Week 4: Foundations and Applications II

    Investigate wellbeing, collective action and market limits, then revisit SIMSOC with your new understanding.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property?

    A typical day during the program.

    Class day

    Classes include 5-6 instructional hours daily, with breaks for lunch or field trips.

    Independent study

    Students can study in campus libraries or use campus recreational facilities.

    Residential activities

    Residential advisors and staff supervise social activities such as game nights and movies.

    Recreational excursions

    Program trips can visit Los Angeles attractions, beaches, theme parks or sports events.

    Who teaches on The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property?

    USC Summer Programs courses are taught by USC faculty and experienced professionals from the university's academic community. This course emphasizes instructor-led academic study alongside student discussion, games and debate.

    Where do students stay on The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property?

    Residential plan

    • Shared residence-hall rooms: Participants stay in university halls with gender-specific roommate and floormate assignments.
    • Residential meal plan: Room and board covers three daily dining-hall meals and specified field-trip meals.
    • Live-in support and security: Residential advisors live in the halls, supported by USCard access controls and 24/7 public-safety patrols.
    • Evening activities and curfew: Supervised activities accompany a 10 p.m. hall curfew and 11:30 p.m. lights-out policy.

    Non-residential plan

    • Local commuter participation: Eligible participants live with a parent or guardian in Los Angeles or Orange County and attend every academic session.
    • Activities and transportation: Commuters can join evening activities with parental permission and take program transportation for field trips.
    • Commuter meal access: Commuters purchase meals at dining halls, campus dining outlets or permitted nearby eateries.

    Roommate requests cannot be accommodated; international participants and domestic participants living abroad must live on campus.

    What happens after The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Earn three units of elective credit upon successful completion.

    Request an official USC transcript recording your course grade.

    Develop argumentative essays and presentations on philosophical questions.

    Explore further study in philosophy, economics or political science.

    Build connections that may lead to faculty or staff recommendations.

    Credit transfer and recommendation letters are not guaranteed, and participation does not guarantee USC admission.

    Where does The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property take place?

    The program takes place at USC's University Park Campus in Los Angeles, with access to library reading rooms, computer labs and the Student Health Center. Course activities include a Getty Center visit, and academic and recreational field trips use program transportation.

    International participants arrange their own travel; early-arrival and late-departure accommodations are not offered.

    The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property FAQs

    SIMSOC is a tabletop role-playing game in which classmates build a social, political and economic system. You play it at the beginning of the course and return to it in the final week after studying relevant theories.

    Topics include decision theory, game theory, theories of property, voting and social choice, welfare economics, socialism and markets, egalitarianism and distributive justice, and contractualism.

    Successful completion earns three units of elective credit. The receiving college or university decides whether to accept those units, so keep your course syllabus.

    Eligible local students living with a parent or legal guardian in Los Angeles or Orange County can commute. International participants and domestic participants living abroad must live on campus.

    Room and board covers three daily dining-hall meals, academic field-trip meals and two meals on Saturdays before non-academic field trips. Commuters purchase meals separately.

    Residential advisors live in the halls and are available at all times. USC provides 24/7 public-safety patrols, USCard-controlled hall access and emergency notifications.

    USC Summer Programs does not offer financial aid or assistance. Its application fee cannot be waived.

    No. Participation does not guarantee undergraduate admission to USC or its schools; students must complete the separate undergraduate admissions process.

    Alternatives to The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property

    Compare these programs if you want a broader philosophy-and-politics combination or a more economics-focused academic experience.

    Alternatives to The Philosophy of Economic Markets Money and Property

    Economics Summer Course

    Economics summer study in Cambridge

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    From £5495
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    Cambridge
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    Best for

    Students prioritizing economics over philosophical theory

    View details

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Summer Programs Application Management
    • USC Summer Programs Transcripts | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs Policies | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs FAQs | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs International Application | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Residential and Commuter Experience | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs Overview | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs Application and Admission | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs | USC Pre-College
    • Philosophy and Economics Summer Program | USC Pre-College

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 5 Oct 2026)

    • Course curriculum reviewed

    • Application requirements checked

    • Session dates compared

    • Fee options distinguished

    • Credit conditions reviewed

    • Residential policies checked

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.